The appointment of Nicole Belloubet to the Ministry of National Education puts this discreet figure in French politics back in the spotlight. Behind the brilliant career, the former Minister of Justice hides a heavy past marked by personal drama.
Nicole Belloubet: The sudden death of her great love, a personal tragedy
The terrible car accident which cost the life of Pierre-Laurent Frier, Nicole Belloubet’s first husband, at the age of 52, left a deep wound that time has not healed.
Met at university while she was only a student, Pierre-Laurent Frier was her great love, her other half, the father of her three sons Adrien, Jean-Baptiste and Martin. Together, they had established a home and a family, sharing the joys and sorrows of life together.
Pierre-Laurent Frier led a brilliant academic career alongside his family life. Professor of public law at Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne Universityhe was an eminent specialist in art law and a teacher appreciated by his students.
Her sudden death in 2005 was a trauma and a heartbreak for Nicole Belloubet. Losing the man of her life suddenly and violently was undoubtedly one of the most painful ordeals she had to go through.
Despite the scale of the tragedy and the void left by the disappearance of her soul mate, Nicole Belloubet drew from deep within herself the strength to continue and fight for their children“the most beautiful gift that Pierre-Laurent had left him”.
Although she subsequently rebuilt her life, the wound caused by the loss of her great love never completely healed. This personal tragedy forever marked his existence.
His tragic death not only left his family in mourning but also deprived the academic world of a talented and promising jurist, who died in the prime of his life.
A brilliant political career at the same time
Alongside this terrible personal ordeal, Nicole Belloubet had a prominent political career. Specialist in public law, Associate Professor and Doctor of Lawshe rose through the ranks by becoming deputy mayor of Toulouse, regional vice-president, member of the Constitutional Council et Keeper of the Seals.
His career arouses admiration and respect. But behind the facade lie the wounds left by the loss of the love of his life. A personal drama which colors his political commitment with a more human dimension.
A controversial appointment
Promoted to the Ministry of Education to succeed the very controversial Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, her appointment came as a surprise. While the position seemed promised to François Bayrou, Nicole Belloubet finally won the prize following the refusal of the boss of MoDem to occupy the position.
His appointment raises some doubts but his past as rector and his opposition to Fillon are seen as guarantees on the left. His appointment, however, signifies acceptance of Emmanuel Macron’s reforms.
As this new chapter begins, no one can forget the personal tragedy which will forever mark the destiny of the woman whom those close to her describe as a warm, courageous and resilient woman.
My name is Marie, I am 31 years old and I specialize in artificial intelligence and economics for this magazine. My job is to analyze current events to bring you the most accurate and relevant information possible. For me, information is a dialogue, a human story that deserves to be told with discernment and acuity.
